Summer is all about college visits for any student in high school, whether you’re a freshman trying to get a head start or a senior wrapping the last few things up!
While in Wisconsin, I had the pleasure of visiting my dad’s alma mater, UW Madison (go badgers!) and I really enjoyed experiencing my first college tour. My mom set up two tours for my brother and I (keep reading!) and even though there weren’t as many students on the campus, I definitely still got that college feel.
what : University of Wisconsin - Madison
four year, large, public, state university
where : Madison, Wisconsin
urban
cost : $25,000 in state // $45,000 out of state
size : 6,000 per class, 29,000 undergraduate students
When touring colleges, if you get the opportunity to go on both a campus and dorm/residential life tour, definitely take both. By doing that, you’ll get a lot more information about the dorms themselves and what kind of amenities the college offers on a more extensive level.
UW Madison offers two options when it comes to dorm living - you can choose from Lakeshore, a very suburban feel with lots of greenery and lake views, or Southeast, which is for those students looking for a very urban feel right in the heart of Madison. Whichever you choose, you’re equidistant from the center of campus, so you don’t have to sacrifice the lake views you may desire for a quicker walk to class! Both Lakeshore and Southside dorms offer the same basic necessities when it comes to each room - loftable beds, dresser, desk and chair, bedside table, bookcase/hutch, and even a refrigerator. The residence halls are always getting maintenance done as needed, and so you don’t have to worry about getting the “nicest” residence hall!
One of my favorite things that UW Madison offers is something called “learning communities”. Specific residence halls offer unique seminars and classes to students interested in similar subjects or majors. I was really interested in the “Women in Science and Engineering”, since I’m looking at studying nursing!
As far as the actual university goes, there are 21 different schools/colleges to choose from within the university itself - you’re bound to find the perfect major that suits you. One of the most comforting things I learned during the tour is that whatever combination of major(s)/certificates (equivalent to a minor) you desire, the staff there will work hard to make that dream of yours work out so that you will have the most rewarding experience possible.
If you’re looking for that college football experience, UW Madison is a Big10 school with a generous handful of athletic events you can choose to attend. From experience, Badger Athletics are a blast, (jump around!) and you’ll always find students cheering on their peers.
If you’re concerned about getting work done amidst this amazing campus, don’t worry. There are over 30 libraries to choose from - you’ll definitely find a quiet place to study with whatever book you might need. Learning communities (mentioned above) can definitely be helpful when it comes to studying as well, and professor's open office hours are always beneficial.
what colleges have you toured so far? what has been your favorite?
Some families give their students a monthly allowance, ranging from $75–$225, to supplement the student's own savings. After the first year, especially for students making good money through summer employment, an allowance may no longer be necessary
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